To much surprise last night, Ken Hitchcock was named the 24th coach in St. Louis Blues history – the 4th in the past 6 seasons – to “relieve” Davis Payne of his duties for the 6-7, 13th place team. Let’s discuss that word – relieve.

According to Merriam Webster, “relieve,” a transit verb, means a : to free from a burden : give aid or help to b : to set free from an obligation, condition, or restriction. With the way this team has played since January 2010 when Payne took over, a “relief” is just what it is – for Payne, that is.

“It’s shocking and it’s disappointing, but in the end, you’re responsible for all the areas of your hockey team,” Payne said. “There were pieces that weren’t firing on all cylinders and it’s under my umbrella of responsibility. But I also can say that we were looking at a favorable schedule ahead and ready to turn the corner.

“That said, if this is what gets things going, then I’m all for it. I wish nothing but the best for the team and this group of guys. They deserve it.”

via No Jackets required: Ken Hitchcock hired by Blues, Payne fired – Puck Daddy – NHL Blog – Yahoo! Sports.

However, is it really his fault? The blues “relieved” Andy Murray back in January 2010 when I was writing for Inside Hockey magazine. I broke the news for MSN. From the first presser, Davidson summed up the mistakes Murray made quite clearly.

“If a kid is not practicing hard or making redundant mistakes over and over again, then maybe he deserves to sit on his butt,” he said. “But if a kid’s making mistake out of passion or out of try and has worked his butt off at practice, stick him back on the ice and let him play.”

So here we are, almost two years later, with Davis Payne being “relieved” for a similar reason – the lack of young player development. Does anyone else find it odd that two good coaches could not help the development of this team over four years?

As I’ve said before, “Coach” is another term for “Scapegoat.” Sure, he creates the lines and earns the respect and trust of his players, however he isn’t the one out there missing practice or shooting goals in his own net.

Do I agree that we needed a change? Of course. This team is built to win, however they just can’t get it together. Do I think Payne is 100 percent to blame? Not at all. Accountability has hurt this team since the lock-out, and until that changes, the Blues won’t.

I do believe that Hitchcock will be a nice switch, however his coaching style is quite similar to Andy Murray, and while that will benefit our new veteran leadership, I’m not sure how the young guys will take it. In a perfect world, they will adapt well and quickly. With a five-game home stand, there is no better time for Hitchcock to take the rains and go. Let’s just hope the team is behind him, 100 percent.

The Puck Daddy blog on Yahoo named Adam Henrique the third star of the night on Saturday. Henrique had two goals in the match between the Winnipeg Jets including the game winning goal 1:28 into overtime. Give it a look.

Plus, my final time of 3:09:34 wasn’t horrific. I admit my complaints are akin to a pretty girl saying she’s fat, and that’s just annoying. So even though I’d rather be Kate Beckinsale, I’ll settle for Cameron Diaz. The cold weather probably played a part in my late collapse (I was well on my way to a sub-3 hour race, with a 6:56 per-mile pace until I ran past what must have been Kryptonian mist). Also, since the sun is the source of my power and it was AWOL yesterday morning, it all makes sense. I also have my usual post-race soreness, so I don’t think I under-trained or anything. Things just didn’t go my way. I’ll get’em in Miami on January 29th and I’m pretty happy with my 235th place finish out of 4741 finishers in the race, which started with 17,000. (I think that includes half-marathoners, too.)

The nine hour drive home was tedious, and I’ve had no communication outlet with anyone all day, so it was with great surprise to find that Puck Daddy, my all-time favorite hockey blog, finally picked up Foogos and featured it on their site.

I say “finally,” because I know I emailed them a couple times with no response, and figured for whatever reason, they just didn’t care. So obviously I’m especially stoked they had such nice things to say.

Every hockey fan's thrill of all thrills... featured on Puck Daddy.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t giddy like a school girl right now.

That was HBO executive producer Rick Bernstein, in an announcement made hours before the Philadelphia Flyers played the New York Rangers on Monday night, and Wayne Simmonds(notes) allegedly used a homophobic epithet against Sean Avery(notes).

HBO would be proud, not of the language, but of the access. It was a made-for-TV incident. Microphones picked up Avery’s threats to Claude Giroux(notes). Cameras caught Simmonds mouthing a nearly unmistakable gay slur at Avery.

You want unrestricted access?

Be careful what you wish for.

Avery, Simmonds and why reality has conquered the rink – Puck Daddy – NHL Blog – Yahoo! Sports.

I need my West Coast honey … You turned down a rumored 9 years /61.2 million. That would buy you a Krispy Kreme Franchise! OK – Tim Hortons - you could re-name it Doughty’s Donut Holes. I don’t care. Just sign. I know you don’t want to be tied down, well, not in that sense, nudge, nudge, wink, wink, say no more, my little hip shaker! But why all that training and diet coke drinking over the summer if you aren’t planning on playing? So please, I’m waiting for you to fill my cream puff – NOW. TYVM.

BTW – his comment when asked about the fresh ink, “Hogwarts looks fun!” Um …. Brent, I hate to break it to you but it ain’t a real place. The Easter Bunny isn’t either and  the Tooth Fairy, well, yes she is because hockey players made her real like the Velveteen Rabbit. So keep putting those teeth under your pillow at night, big boy. It pays the rent.

that's pretty much forever dude ...

It’s that time once again where we stop and take a look at what all of the other great hockey sites out there have to offer. Being that it’s August the news isn’t really that exciting but we are sure there is something decent to read. Also do not forget that there is less than five days remaining before the sign up period for the SSHL ends, so be sure to register before it’s too late.

National Hockey League

Did Vancouver fans discourage Milan Lucic’s Cup celebration? – Puck Daddy

Behind Angry Birds mask and other goalie video game tributes – Puck Daddy

Is This the Isles’ New Third Jersey? – icethetics.info

Report: Kostitsyn Sounds Off On Habs Coach Martin – TSN

Probe of Zdeno Chara hit finished – ESPN

Florida Panthers

Panthers prospects shine at U.S. camp – Fox News

Purging of the Old Panthers: Chris Higgins – Litter Box Cats

Panthers Nationality Breakdown – The Rat Trick

Wilson Looks To Make The Transition – Florida Panthers

Join The REDvolution: Florida Panthers Launch Fan Driven Initiative – Florida Panthers

National Hockey League:

Roloson Among Goalies Set To Test The Market – NHL.com

Oilers Re-Acquire Ryan Smyth From Kings – NHL.com

NHL’s Economic Landscape Changes Again With Rising Cap – TSN

Reports: NHL To Realign For 2012-13 – ESPN

True North Announces Team Name Is “Winnipeg Jets” – Winnipeg.NHL.com

The 10 Most Awkward 2011 NHL Draft Rookie Photos – Puck Daddy

Florida Panthers:

Panthers Pick Rocco Grimaldi’s Leap Of Faith At NHL Entry Draft – Puck Daddy

Florida GM: Brian Campbell Gives Panthers Credibility – Puck Daddy

Panthers Stand Pat, Draft Huberdeau – The Rat Trick

AHL Report: Coyotes Get Portland, Panthers Return To San Antonio – Litter Box Cats

Panthers Ready To Trade And Add Free Agents This Week – Sun Sentinel

Gudbranson Endures Growing Pains But Seems Ready For NHL – Sun Sentinel

I plan on writing stuff here. I don’t know if you’ll care about it, but it’s free, so why not?

I’ll link to stuff I think is cool to entertain you readers. It’ll mostly be hockey stuff.

My next post will have a ton of links.

But while I’m on this post, I’d like to put my thoughts out there. First, as seen above, I don’t like the Red Wings. It’s the sibling rivalry thing. Go with it. Plus they only have one color. I don’t count white since every team has white. ONE COLOR. How not interesting. Just my opinion. Second, the Stanley Cup Finals started yesterday. Now I personally do not like the Canucks at all, with the exception of Ryan Kesler. I had a pretty neutral opinion of the Bruins when this year began, but I do know that Tim Thomas is awesome. As is Shawn Thornton. I suggest you check out Things Shawn Thornton Has Said.  Don’t know where these people get all these quotes. Vancouver won with just 18 seconds left in the third. Can’t say I’m too thrilled about it. I think I dislike the Vancouver fans more than the players themselves. Bruins in 6 or 7. Canucks will choke epicly. Canucks will ultimately fail against a superior opponent. The Bruins will win through a tough series. Yeah, that’s the nicest thing I can come up with.

Sorry Canucks, I’m a Hawks fan, and Luongo is a headcase. Just like Huet. Only, I’ll give, a little better.

In future posts I’ll show my true knowledge of the sport of hockey. When something comes up.

And for anyone who actually also cares about hockey, go to Puck Daddy. I go there everyday. My favorite writer there is Ryan Lambert. Does that tell you anything about my personality?

Yeah, I do wish my last name was Kane. Patrick Kane is the best. Don’t argue.

What happens during this 5 month offseason? That depends. For Kings’ fans, we have to endure an endless cycle of the 1993 Stanley Cup Finals, game two, followed by videos of Rob Blake lifting the Stanley Cup. I don’t understand it either except to say that the Lord works in mysterious ways.

Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins are in serious trouble as Tim Thomas has most definitely been transported to the Pearly Gates. In a strange twist however, there is now one additional set of the Sedins on the Canucks. Even Osama Bin Laden, rumored to have been dead, found his way to Saint Peter. He was sent away when it was confirmed Jesus in fact had not called for a cab.

Greg Wyshynski continues to write for Puck Daddy but the content of his articles are limited to the glow puck. He is still permitted to be a New Jersey Devils’ fan because, well, there is eternal punishment inherent therein. Our own Helene Elliot is surprisingly with us but not because she hadn’t earned her right to Heaven. She decided to stay back because Phil Anschutz, Tim Leiweke and Dean Lombardi are still down here and she prefers eternal fire to having nothing to write about and, of course, being called Helen. Terry Murray was sent up but only temporarily. He was sent back on special assignment, his purpose solely to torment me while he persuades me of his system’s merits. Quisp of Jewels from the Crown will be reminding each of you that he predicted the Rapture and its consequences weeks ago as part of his “Real Apocalypse Standings”. Rich Hammond was told to take the rest of his salvation off. The Mayor is forced to chirp in perpetuity inside an empty Staples Center and, worse yet, from section 315. The boys at KingsCast were honored quite nicely by the Almighty. They get to record and do a 3 part episode of the Final Days…the catch is nobody will see it. I am not sure what happened to Surly. Last I heard he changed his name to Waldo and went into hiding.

As for the rest of you, I only hope we make the best of this time together. Though we all walk steadily toward damnation, know that we can find humor in every step.

National Hockey League:

Conflicting Reports On Violent Incident Between Zherdev, Wife – Puck Daddy

Lightning Fans Force Bruins To Remove Bear Ads Mocking Tampa – Puck Daddy

Edmonton Council Approves Framework Deal For New Arena – TSN

Thrashers Fans Plan Rally Before Team’s Select-A-Seat Event – TSN

Signs Point To Patrice Bergeron’s Return For Game 3 – NHL.com

Florida Panthers:

Zach Hyman Picks Michigan – michiganhockey.net

NHL JerseyWatch 2011 – icethetics.info (scroll down for Panthers section)

Florida Panthers Ranked #2 On Hockey’s Future – Hockey’s Future

We hope that you have enjoyed the first installment of Around The Net. Keep checking back for more ATN and other great articles from Sunshine State Hockey. If you have any comments or questions leave them below or send them to sunstatehockey@hotmail.com

There is no doubt that being an enforcer is one of (if not) the hardest jobs in the sport of hockey. Having to be the person on a team that has to look after the rookies and superstars, provide energy, and drop the gloves when needed is difficult, but certain players do it every night without a single complaint. Some of these men perform their job so well that they become house hold names, like Derek Boogaard.

By now everyone has heard the terrible news that Derek Boogaard was found dead in his Minneapolis apartment Friday evening by his family. As of right now there is still no cause of death because of the fact that it takes at least two weeks for the results of the autopsy to be released. So until that happens the hockey community will just have to wait and wonder why Boogaard passed away at the young age of 28.

While we all wait another thing we can do is remember Derek and what he accomplished each time he stepped onto the ice. The one aspect about his game that everyone will likely remember for years is the fact that he was one of the best fighters to ever play in the National Hockey League. Other enforcers would decline to fight because they knew just how good he was at what he did. Let’s take a look at some of Derek Boogaard’s best work.

The boogey man will be missed by everyone in the hockey community. While most fans knew Derek for his on ice work only those around the team he played for knew just how kind he was off the ice. To close out this tribute here are quotes from some of his teammates and friends.

Brandon Prust: “At a loss for words. I’ll miss my roomy Derek Boogaard.. You will be missed by everyone. Great friend and teammate.”

Michael Del Zotto: “Boogy, you will be missed! Condolences to the Boogaard family. The world lost an amazing friend and teammate!”

Georges Laraque: “My condolences to the Boogaard family, Derek past away this morning, he was the toughest guy in the NHL my friend and biggest rival. I’m in total shock. I will dedicate my 42km run to him, love you my man.”

Finally here are some links to stories about the Derek Boogaard tragedy.

Rangers Forward Derek Boogaard Passes Away At 28 – TSN

Family Donates Brain Of NHL Enforcer Boogaard To Science – TSN

Minnesota Wild Fans Hold Tearful Memorial For Derek Boogaard – Puck Daddy

Thank you Derek for entertaining the hockey community every time you laced up your skates. You brought your fans to their feet like only the boogey man could. You never played for my favorite team but I enjoyed watching you play every chance I got, even if it was against the Florida Panthers. You were the definition of what a true enforcer should be and you gave it your all every game. You will be missed by fans of the Minnesota Wild, New York Rangers, and the sport of hockey. Good bye and RIP Derek Boogaard.

Puck Daddy: Mainly self explanatory: Its the daddy of pucks. If hockey is your sport, this is your blog. Covers NHL, some minor league, NCAA, and International/Olympic hockey all with a healthy dose of statistics, anecdotes, link aggregating, and wit.

Soccer Insider(WashingtonPost): Yes, another sports blog. Excellent coverage from tenured WaPo writer Steven Goff. While mainly focusing on the DC United Franchise, there’s enough international soccer coverage for any (American) footie fan.

DC Sports Bog(WashingtonPost): Yes, I spelled it correctly. The Bog. Written by Dan Steinberg, this is blog focuses on the lighter side of DC Sports and is for the person who enjoys off field antics as much as what goes down before the buzzer/whistle/whatever sounds.

Kickette: Less of a blog, and more like a creepy website ran by British women for other women that enjoy playing paparazzi with the worlds premier soccer players. I generally read for the WAG fashion/weekend results cheat sheet.

College Fashion: Something that I originally found via College Candy(see below), this blog is extremely creative and practical. In addition to being up to date on sales/coupons, this site explores different trends. There most original series entitled “How to dress like _________” creates outfits inspired by things ranging from Disney Princesses to Celebrities to the Hogwarts houses. 

College Candy: Targeted at the 15-25 young female audience, this is the most comprehensive blog I read. Fashion/news aggregating/ gossip/ interviews/ and just plain good college advice. This blog will stay on my Google Reader until I’m post-grad for sure.

Anyway, here are some delicious dishes on what our favorite men do before or during the game. Feel free to tell us what you do to help them out! I yell at the TV because I KNOW OVI can hear me now!

I have to add this update from Puck Daddy: (link) because I am totally siding with Sidney on the  ODC issue on shaving. No one gets between me and the razor.  Sorry guys.